Trial to start in shooting in Fairview field

A 71-year-old farmer from Fairview Township will stand trial this week on charges that he committed aggravated assault when he fired a shotgun at a 19-year-old man in a strawberry field at about 11:30 p.m. on July 20.

Harold Bolkey, of the 2100 block of Avonia Road, is contending that he believed he was in danger when he fired his 12-gauge shotgun at Devin Medina, of Millcreek Township, who was hit in the left arm. Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri, who is prosecuting the case, is arguing the shooting was unjustified.

Bolkey is accused of five counts, including the felony of aggravated assault and the misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person.

Medina told state police he was driving in the area of Bolkey's fields because he was attending a nearby campfire party. Police said Medina told troopers he apologized and pleaded with Bolkey not to shoot him before Bolkey opened fire on Medina and his car from 10 to 15 feet away.

Jury selection is scheduled to start Tuesday morning in the courtroom of Erie County President Judge Ernest J. DiSantis Jr. Lawyer Jeffrey J. Del Fuoco is representing Bolkey, who is free on $100,000 bond.